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JET Departure Ceremony

Good Morning,

 My name was missed out in the roster of VIPs today, but I am your host. It is always great to welcome young talented people. You are all ready to go to Japan, now that you have had an orientation this morning. You look more confident with your brown bag that is meant to be very informative. It is a happy annual affair for me to hold a send off party for departing JETs to Japan. I have sent off JETs several times. Three times in Houston, Texas and last year here too. Each time I find it very special.

 Here I am supposed to give you congratulatory remarks. Congratulations to you! But on what? I remember what I said to your one year senior Jet colleagues. I think it is still valid to repeat it this time as my parting gift for you.

 Number one message that I want to get out is that you should not forget your most important mission. You go to Japan to teach Japanese students English. I guess you may entertain your own ambitions while you are in Japan; traveling extensively in Japan and Asia, practicing a martial art or two, learning ikebana or calligraphy , making lots of Japanese friends, stuff like that. They are all important and interesting, but they are secondary. The first and foremost is to help improve your students English. As you will observe the strength and weaknesses of Japan’s English classes, I would highly recommend you to put your ideas into practice in your classes. You may want to write a report on that and make recommendations to the Japanese authorities. You may email me, if you will. We need your help to upgrade our English education. 

Second message I want to convey to you is that you should not waste your time in Japan. You are investing your time and talent in the JET program. It is not a small decision for you to spend next two years in Japan. It is almost a sin to let it go to waste. You should make the most of it. But how, you may ask. I read a book entitled” I learned all the necessary things in life in the sandbox of my kindergarten”. Your JET experience could be your sandbox where you could learn everything you need to make a success in your professional life in the United States. Beware of huge advantage that JET offers you. Some of you are just novices in U.S. labor market. But you are offered to operate in one of the most exciting and rewarding working environments. Your clientele is engaging young students who would respond to your lead without much prejudice. Being a JET, you are well protected socially and financially. You will be able to learn harmony, cooperation, competition, forgiveness, perseverance, and even jealousy in your class rooms. Make JET your sandbox!

 Thank you.